Hepatitis A infection: a seroepidemiological study in young adults in North-East Italy.
During the period from January to May 1994, the prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A virus infection (anti-HAV) was tested by immunoenzyme assay in the serum samples of 620 apparently healthy subjects (81% males, 19% females), from 10 to 29 years old, resident in North-East Italy (Pordenone and surrounding district). The overall prevalence of anti-HAV was 3.7%. There was a significant lower prevalence in the group aged 10-19 than in the one aged 20-29 years (0.7% vs 6%; p < 0.001). Moreover, a significant sex difference was observed for the 20-29 year age group (p < 0.001). Among the various risk factors considered, family size and travelling abroad to endemic areas were significantly associated with HAV infection. Since a valid and effective vaccine against HAV infection has recently become available, anti-HAV vaccination campaigns can feasibly be programmed. However, different geographical regions present different epidemiological situations, so its use should be adapted to each region, with special attention to the cost-effectiveness of the immunisation programme. Our data suggest that in our region such vaccination could initially be proposed to high-risk subjects such as those travelling to endemic areas.
Moschen
M E
ME
Institute of Hygiene, University of Padua, Italy.
Floreani
A
A
Zamparo
E
E
Baldo
V
V
Majori
S
S
Gasparini
V
V
Trivello
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004032:Diet; D019353:Endemic Diseases; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D035922:Hepatitis A Antibodies; D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines; D017957:Hepatitis A Virus, Human / Q000276:immunology; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000191:economics; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D015994:Incidence; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D012758:Shellfish; D014195:Travel; D014611:Vaccination / Q000191:economics; D015164:Vaccines, Inactivated / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014881:Water Supply
D035922:Hepatitis A Antibodies; D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D015164:Vaccines, Inactivated; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines